Phil continues to tour the country, and often releases digital soundboards of shows for free to keep the community spirit that the Dead created alive and allow the fans access to the music, because as Jerry Garcia once said, once it's out there, it's yours.
Phil received a liver transplant in 1998, and usually includes in his shows a "Donor Rap" encouraging others to become organ donors.
His current lineup as of September 2007 includes:
Larry Campbell (guitar, mandolin, fiddle)
Jackie Greene (vocals and guitar)
Steve Molitz (keyboards)
John Molo (drums)
Midnight Train
Phil Lesh & Friends Lyrics
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Esteban Abad
Last call for the Midnight Train
Those who wished and those who lost,
As your last chance rides this track
Last call for the Midnight Train
Last call for the Midnight Train
Last train is drawing near
The cry of her call wails a darkness fear
A soulful light rolls in from afar
with her black scarf borne from a coal laden car
Last call for the Midnight Train
Last call for the Midnight Train
The last train is moving
And her tired wheels groan,
No more failures or excuses,
Leave your regrets as you go home
Last call for the Midnight Train
Last call for the Midnight Train
Last train is rolling down
And her conductor holds the key
She holds you in her last resting space
pulling you back home and to loving grace.
Last call for the Midnight Train
Last call for the Midnight Train
Last call for the Midnight Train
Last call for the Midnight Train
The song "Midnight Train" by Phil Lesh & Friends speaks about the final call for a train, the last chance for people to board and escape from their troubles or to reunite with their loved ones. The lyrics suggest that the train symbolizes an opportunity to leave behind one's failures and regrets, to find peace, and to be embraced by loving grace. The song speaks to those who have lost in love, and how the midnight train can be a chance for redemption.
The first verse of the song emphasizes that the train is leaving soon, and it is the last chance for those who have lost their loved ones. It suggests that the train is the only hope for those who seek redemption. In the second verse, the train is described as arriving with a cry of fear which represents the darkness that comes when one loses love. The third verse speaks of the train moving, and the sound of its wheels indicates that it will not wait for those who could not board. The closing verse repeats the first and underlines the urgency for those to catch the train and leave their past behind.
Overall, the song's theme stresses the importance of seizing one's opportunities and not missing out on them, or being left with regret. The midnight train serves as a metaphor for a life-altering decision that should not be missed.
Line by Line Meaning
Last call for the Midnight Train
This is the final opportunity to board the midnight train
Those who wished and those who lost,
The train is open to those who aimed for their desires as well as those who missed their mark
No love holds you back
There are no emotional ties that will prevent you from getting on the train
As your last chance rides this track
This is your final opportunity to take this specific journey
The last train is drawing near
The final train is approaching its destination
The cry of her call wails a darkness fear
As the train approaches, the sound of its whistle creates a sense of unease and uncertainty
A soulful light rolls in from afar
A light shines in the distance, representing hope and comfort
with her black scarf borne from a coal laden car
The train carries goods such as coal, represented by the black scarf
The last train is moving
The train is now in motion
And her tired wheels groan,
The sound of the train's wheels indicates its age and use
No more failures or excuses,
There is no room for failure or justification on this trip
Leave your regrets as you go home
Do not dwell on past mistakes while travelling home
And her conductor holds the key
The train's conductor is in charge and has control over the journey
She holds you in her last resting space
The train is the final mode of transportation for this journey
pulling you back home and to loving grace.
The train takes you back to your place of origin and love
Last call for the Midnight Train
This is still the final opportunity to board the midnight train
Last call for the Midnight Train
This is still the final opportunity to board the midnight train
Last call for the Midnight Train
This is still the final opportunity to board the midnight train
Last call for the Midnight Train
This is still the final opportunity to board the midnight train
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Esteban Abad Holgado
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind